FRISCO, Texas (March 11, 2014) — The 2013-2014 US Youth Soccer National League Boys season will wrap up play March 14-16 at Heritage Park in Henderson, Nev., as 48 teams play their final three games and solidify the division standings. In the Under-15 through Under-18 age groups, each division will be represented by four of the eight teams, while the Under-14 divisions will each feature all eight teams.

Seven division championships are still to be decided during the final weekend of National League Boys play, and 14 total teams will punch tickets to the 2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships, held July 22-27 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Md.

“We expect very tough games with great competition. We’re up for the challenge,” said Bob Friedland, coach of FC Golden State White (CA-S), which is in contention for the Under-17 Blue Division title. “I think the National League does a great job at coordinating the events. The fields are very good, and the atmosphere is exciting for the boys. It’s a good experience.”

The National League provides an avenue for teams to play in meaningful matches against top competition from across the country for continued development and opportunities for exposure at the national team, collegiate and professional levels. In addition to recruiting opportunities, the top two finishers from each division (Blue and Red) will earn a ticket to the 2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Germantown, making each match valuable to the team's fate as it could make or break their chance at competing for the National Championship. The top two finishers in the Under-14, 15, 16 and 17 age groups will also earn an automatic spot in the 2014-2015 National League season.

There have already been several impressive showings this season, as 32 of the 80 boys teams finished their 2013-2014 campaigns in December at the Disney Soccer Showcase in Orlando, Fla.

In the Under-16 Red Division, Dix Hills Elite (E-NY) claimed the group title by going 6-0-1 without conceding a goal. That defensive feat was equaled by Loudoun 98 Red (VA), as it solidified at least a second-place finish in the Under-15 Blue Division and earned a spot in the National Championships. Dix Hills and Loudoun were the first teams in the history of the National League to finish a season without allowing a goal.

Other teams to secure division titles at Disney were Under-17 Smithtown Arsenal (E-NY) and Under-18 CUP Gold 95/96 (OH-S). Meanwhile, Under-16 Sunrise Elite 97/98 (FL) and Under-17 CUP Gold 96/97 (OH-S) each clinched a top two finish in their division.

With just six National Championship spots earned so far, there is a lot on the line for the boys this coming weekend. Many of the 48 teams competing in Las Vegas — along with a handful of squads following from home — are hoping to punch their ticket to Germantown, but only 14 will do so.

The FC Golden State coach said it takes concentration and teamwork to succeed and earn a top-two finish in the National League.

“All of the games are very challenging, and we’re excited about the competition. It’s a great event for the boys,” Friedland said. “It’s critical for us to win the games in Las Vegas and get the opportunity to go to the National Championships.”